Antonio Maggiore

I’m running for County Council because I care. I can’t put it in any simpler terms than that. I care deeply about this town.  

This secluded secretive science stuffed suburbia is home to me. I was born here, I grew up in Los Alamos, I graduated high school here. Like so many of our youth, I left as soon as I was able, and like a much smaller number, I returned.

I have never worked at the lab. I have however worked at many small businesses in town throughout my life. Now, I find myself braving the uncertain world of owning a small business in town. I believe this gives me a unique perspective not shared by many of the other candidates.
 
I feel we are at a critical crossroads in our history, and it seems increasingly clear that the way we have grown up to now is not the best way to grow moving forward. I want to make sure Los Alamos is a sustainable community.

Sustainable means that regardless of what happens across the bridge with the lab, I want this town to be a thriving community in thirty years.  

To be a thriving community, the County needs to make a firm commitment to local business, both by helping existing ones and not just focusing on luring prospective new “whales”.  

Attracting new business developments does nothing if we don’t support them once they are here. I feel that tourism and our development of it is a strong growth potential for the future of our town, but tourism will never thrive without a strong local economy. I believe I can bring an understanding of and advocacy for local business that is currently lacking from Council.

Sustainable means a commitment to sensible development, and let’s be honest, redevelopment. This will take a firm commitment to the betterment of  Los Alamos and White Rock from all sides, landowners, the community and the County.  

The betterment of our community does not mean that developers and landowners can’t profit from us but it does mean that they should not  profit without reinvestment.       

The creation and implementation of a quality comprehensive plan is our best opportunity to make this happen. I hope that the community actively voices their opinions in the ongoing  process so we can find a path that is agreeable to all moving forward.
I understand that the Council and the County are two separate entities and they must work together for the good of everyone. This does not mean that the County Council should be a rubber stamp for all County operations. Sometimes it is vital that the Council question County decisions.

Like many of my fellow citizens in town I am extremely concerned and confused by the recent spate of lawsuits that seem to be surrounding the County and especially those involving our police department.  I feel it goes without saying that these reflect very poorly on our community, and Council is the ultimate representation of our community.

I am not a natural politician. I do not view this as a springboard to some future political office. I simply feel poorly represented by our current council.

I’m a big believer in Democracy, a key part of which is; if I believe I can do better for my community, it’s incumbent on me to try.

I want to see Los Alamos grow in harmony with our natural surroundings. I know that to make that growth happen is going to require participation from all sides. I look forward to fostering a strong partnership with the National Parks, surrounding communities and Pueblos, the National Labs and most importantly partnering with you, the diverse population of Los Alamos, our greatest asset. Thanks for your consideration and support.

If you have questions or to express your concerns, I can be reached at antonioforcouncil@gmail.com.